He didn’t bring up Social Security and Medicare by name. Those are the textbook “entitlements,” because they are not “something for nothing,” but “something for something.” People have been forced to contribute to these programs, and so even the most conservative believe they are “entitled” to the benefits.
The way to reform the system, in my opinion, is to give as many people as possible refunds of what they have paid in, with the freedom to invest as they choose.
I wholeheartedly agree with you that Social Security & Medicare are not “Something for nothing”, which is contrary to many conservatives, many here on FR, that place them in the category of freebees.
The problem with returning monies paid into that system, is returning the money to those already retired (as in 62 or older) is it will not last long at all, and for those in there 70’s or 80’s, there would be zero refund.
Retired folks had this money taken from them with the promise of a monthly check upon retirement. It would be wrong to just take it away, as these folks never had the opportunity to invest that money in 401K’s so it would grow during their working years.
I’m one of those that depend on it. I do have other income sources, but to lose it would really hurt. There are those that rely solely SS.